Atletico Madrid are at risk of suffering a fourth defeat of the season after falling 1-0 behind to Athletic Bilbao in the first half at the San Mames Stadium.

Chances were few and far between in the early stages, with Raul Garcia's wayward strike from distance summing up a frustrating start to the match for Atletico.

Bilbao broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Markel Susaeta's inviting free kick was powerfully headed home by Mikel Rico.

Atletico struggled to produce a response to the setback as Bilbao continued to look comfortable dealing with the limited threat posed by Diego Simeone's side.

The champions should have been further behind before the break after Aritz Aduriz knocked the ball past Diego Godin in the box, but a lack of composure at the crucial moment allowed Juanfran to clear the danger.